You quoted the NFPA. In that quote UL certification is disparaged. There are few finer groups than UL. Perhaps the NFPA should blame the testing standards rather than the testers.

Please note that:

The NFPA comments are not part of the NEC.

The NEC stops at the outlet.

The NEC and NFPA have no authority over what is plugged into an outlet. In particular, the number of extension cords between the outlet and the appliance is a matter of the users purpose not an electrictians.

Don't we have code minimums for example of the number of recptacles, locations of required recptacles) so the need for the use of extension cords is limited? Lets face it many electrical hazards occur do to the misuse of extension cords.

I agree with Spyder wholeheartedly that there are many electrical hazards caused by mis-use of a lot of things....

How about the 30 amp plug fuses, "cause they last longer"How about the piece of copper pipe "cause the damn fuses keep blowing"How about the "bigger circuit breaker, cause the one marked 15 shuts off by itself"How about the zip cord hard wired to a device box, from an existing box????And it goes on and on!!!!

Please read my comments in Joe's extension cord thread also.

Oh NO, that thread is closed and locked....someone must have made someone mad or angry....

Sparky:Damn, now that's a real good idea!Only problem is who and how do you have to convince.

I recently came upon a few brown 12' flat, 2 wire, "zip" cord type, with molded caps, that are probably 20 guage. A 180 watt load, (2-90 watt "A" bulbs in a table lamp" had the cord "quite warm" to the touch.Suggested that the homeowner remove them while I was there, as I don't have the authority to "make the removal". He had a "new one, still in the package, made in CHINA, max. 10 amps, and what appears to be a "UL" logo, but alas, no "listing number.BTW, they were bought at the $1 store.John

I tend to agree that items that are plugged in are outside the scope of the NEC, and in my opinion most of Article 422 is outside the scope of the code. This is based on 90.2(A). This section says the NEC covers the "the installation of electric conductors, electric equipment, signaling and communications conductors and equipment, ...". It is my contention that equipment that is plugged in is not installed and therefore outside the scope of the NEC. I believe that there are other NFPA codes that do apply to cords and equipment, but these are not adopted by anywhere near as many jurisdictions as the NEC is. Don